Maxwell, David H. (1944-2023) | University of Illinois Archives

David Hamman Maxwell (1944-2023) was pianist, organist, composer, and minister of music. Maxwell graduated from the University of Illinois School of Music in 1967, majoring in piano performance and studying with Dean Sanders and Malcom Bilson. During his undergraduate degree, Maxwell was elected to membership in Pi Kappa Lambda and was a member of Phi Mu Alpha. In 1969, he earned a Master of Music degree at the University of Illinois in organ performance, studying organ with Jarold Hamilton. As a masters student, he was a member of Edwin London's vocal ensemble Ineluctable Modality. After graduating with his masters degree, Maxwell earned a music faculty position at Western Illinois University. In 1972, he returned to UIUC to study music education, earning his doctorate in 1978. During his time at the University of Illinois, Maxwell studied composition with Ben Johnston and Edwin London. Following his graduation, Dr. Maxwell was appointed to the music faculty of the University of Southern Maine.

He eventually left USM and was appointed Minister of Music at State Street Church, where he moved generations of church members with his masterful use of the Roosevelt organ and the grand piano, in addition to directing the church choir. He served State Street Church for 43 years. As a performer, Maxwell played numerous solo recitals as well as having performed as a member of several chamber music ensembles including Musica Tricinia and the St. George Chamber Players. He also played with the St. Louis Symphony and the Portland (Maine) Symphony Orchestra.

Maxwell began composing music in the late 1990’s. His first published work, “Voluntary for Trumpet and Organ,” was published in 1998 by H.W. Gray Publications (a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Publications). It has been performed numerous times in Europe and Asia in addition to North America. Other publishers of Maxwell’s music include Concordia, Augsburg Fortress, and Zimbel Press. Between 1998 and 2023, he composed over 200 pieces. He received several ASCAP (The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers) Plus Awards. A committed teacher, Maxwell taught privately in addition to doing volunteer work in his community. He was involved in the Portland chapter of the American Guild of Organists. Maxwell died in 2023 in Scarborough, Maine.